County Negotiates Three-Year Contract with County’s General Government Workers

A $2,000 bonus and a 3% longevity increase for individuals with 21 or more years of service would be coming to County employees under the tentative three-year agreement reached between the County and UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO (United Food and Commercial Workers International Union/Montgomery County Government Employees Organization) covering 5,000 of the County’s general government workers. The contract calls for no cost-of-living increase and no steps or incentives for County employees.

Creates a process for consideration of “hybrid” pensions to blend the stability of Defined Benefits and the cost predictability of Defined Contribution plans without increasing costs to the County.

The agreement must be ratified by the MCGEO members and approved by the County Council.

Contracts have been completed, as well, with the Police and Firefighters’ unions, pending ratification by union members.

WSSC Seeks County Residents to Serve on Customer Advisory Board

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) is looking for Montgomery County residential customers of WSSC to serve on their Customer Advisory Board that provides input to the commission’s staff on policies and programs.

Meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. at WSSC’s offices in Laurel.

A ceremony marking the start of construction for the Olney Library renovation project was held on February 26. Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, Montgomery County Public Libraries Director Parker Hamilton and Department of General Services Director David Dise greeted attendees and offered brief remarks.

The library renovation is expected to take about 18 months and will expand the 16,825 square-foot structure by 4,260 square feet, replace the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; bring all building systems up to building and energy codes; replace the windows and doors; install a new roof and new interior finishes; improve pedestrian safety and walkways; and improve exterior lighting and stormwater management.

The renovation will provide an expanded children’s room, new teen space, group study rooms and a children’s program room. The number of tables and chairs will be increased and all seating upgraded to include access to electric outlets for use of electronic devices.

During the renovation, a “kiosk library” will be located at the Longwood Recreation Center, 19300 Georgia Ave., Brookeville.The kiosk will open in March and operate from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. It will be closed on Fridays and Sundays.

The advantages of living, working, relaxing and getting around in downtown Bethesda are featured in a new video presented by the Bethesda Urban Partnership.

The 11 ½-minute video includes the many unique and independently owned and operated shops and restaurants, as well as the exciting visual and performing arts and public transportation options available to residents and visitors.

Downtown Bethesda’s beautifully maintained landscaping, vibrant street scenes and architecture are featured, as well. Local residents and business people talk about the amenities that enhance the community for people of all ages and interests.

“Bethesda’s outstanding mix of shops, neighborhoods and services -- all in walking distance to Metro -- make it the perfect place to live and for business,” said Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Director Ken Hartman.

Montgomery County is celebrating the two-year anniversary of the Green Business Certification Program, launched through a partnership between the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) and Montgomery College.

The program helps County businesses by providing them with a “greenprint” for introducing sustainability into their day-to-day operations and supply chain decisions.

To become a certified green business, an organization must demonstrate its commitment to environmental stewardship, conservation of energy and water, carbon footprint reduction, waste reduction, and recycling and environmentally responsible purchasing.

Among the 35 organizations certified so far are a bank, IT consultant, religious institution, beverage company, orthodontist, furniture company and international hotel chain. Also included are a law firm, accounting firms, non-profit organizations, and an architect, engineering firm and defense contractor.

Montgomery College provides on-going courses to assist businesses in “going green” so they can get certified. While not required for certification, many businesses have found the courses to be extremely helpful in getting started.

For information about Montgomery College’s Green Business Certification Crash Course, as well as other sustainability courses, go to “Green Training Programs” in their Schedule of Noncredit Classes at Here.